Psalms 139:5
Psalms 139:5 in Multiple Translations
You hem me in behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me.
Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
Thou hast beset me behind and before, And laid thy hand upon me.
I am shut in by you on every side, and you have put your hand on me.
You're always there—behind me, in front of me, and all around me. You place your caring hand on me.
Thou holdest mee straite behinde and before, and layest thine hand vpon me.
Behind and before Thou hast besieged me, And Thou dost place on me Thy hand.
You hem me in behind and before. You laid your hand on me.
Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thy hand upon me.
Keep me, O Lord, from the hand of the wicked: and from unjust men deliver me. Who have proposed to supplant my steps.
You protect me on all sides; you put your hand on me to protect me with your power [MTY].
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 139:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 139:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָח֣וֹר
וָ/קֶ֣דֶם
צַרְתָּ֑/נִי
וַ/תָּ֖שֶׁת
עָלַ֣/י
כַּפֶּֽ/כָה
אָח֣וֹר
ʼâchôwr
H268
back
N-ms
וָ/קֶ֣דֶם
qedem
H6924
front
Conj | N-ms
צַרְתָּ֑/נִי
tsûwr
H6696
to confine
V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
וַ/תָּ֖שֶׁת
shîyth
H7896
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms
עָלַ֣/י
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
כַּפֶּֽ/כָה
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 139:5
אָח֣וֹר
ʼâchôwr
H268
"back"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means the back or rear side of something. It can also refer to a location or direction, like the West. In Genesis, it describes the back of the Tabernacle.
Definition: 1) the back side, the rear 1a) backwards 1b) hereafter (of time) 1c) behind
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: after(-ward), back (part, -side, -ward), hereafter, (be-) hind(-er part), time to come, without. See also: Genesis 49:17; Psalms 129:5; Psalms 9:4.
וָ/קֶ֣דֶם
qedem
H6924
"front"
Conj | N-ms
The front or east direction, often used to describe a location or time, such as in the book of Ezekiel where it describes the direction of the temple. It can also mean something is ancient or from the past, like the stories in Genesis.
Definition: : east 1) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime 1a) front, from the front or east, in front, mount of the East 1b) ancient time, aforetime, ancient, from of old, earliest time 1c) anciently, of old (adverb) 1d) beginning 1e) east
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: aforetime, ancient (time), before, east (end, part, side, -ward), eternal, [idiom] ever(-lasting), forward, old, past. Compare H6926 (קִדְמָה). See also: Genesis 2:8; Nehemiah 12:46; Psalms 44:2.
צַרְתָּ֑/נִי
tsûwr
H6696
"to confine"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
To form or shape something, like a potter molds clay, as in Isaiah 29:16.
Definition: 1) to bind, besiege, confine, cramp 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to confine, secure 1a2) to shut in, beseige 1a3) to shut up, enclose
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: adversary, assault, beset, besiege, bind (up), cast, distress, fashion, fortify, inclose, lay siege, put up in bags. See also: Exodus 23:22; 2 Kings 18:9; Psalms 139:5.
וַ/תָּ֖שֶׁת
shîyth
H7896
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to place or set something, and it's used in many different ways, like appointing someone to a job or setting your mind to do something. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to lay hands on someone or make something happen.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, lay (hand upon) 1a2) to set, station, appoint, fix, set mind to 1a3) to constitute, make (one something), make like, perform 1a4) to take one's stand 1a5) to lay waste 1b) (Hophal) to be imposed, be set upon
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, [idiom] look, make, mark, put (on), [phrase] regard, set, shew, be stayed, [idiom] take. See also: Genesis 3:15; Psalms 21:7; Psalms 3:7.
עָלַ֣/י
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כַּפֶּֽ/כָה
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 139:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 139:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 139:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 139:5
- Sermons on Psalms 139:5
Context — You Have Searched Me and Known Me
3You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways.
4Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD.
5You hem me in behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me.
6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. 7Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 33:27 | The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He drives out the enemy before you, giving the command, ‘Destroy him!’ |
| 2 | Psalms 34:7 | The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them. |
| 3 | Revelation 1:17 | When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, |
| 4 | Job 23:8–9 | If I go east, He is not there, and if I go west, I cannot find Him. When He is at work in the north, I cannot behold Him; when He turns to the south, I cannot see Him. |
| 5 | Exodus 24:11 | But God did not lay His hand on the nobles of Israel; they saw Him, and they ate and drank. |
| 6 | Job 9:33 | Nor is there a mediator between us, to lay his hand upon us both. |
Psalms 139:5 Summary
This verse, Psalms 139:5, tells us that God is always with us, surrounding us from the past, present, and future. He knows everything about us and has His hand on our lives, guiding and protecting us. This is a comforting truth, reminding us that we are never alone, as also promised in Genesis 28:15 and Matthew 28:20. By trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, we can live with confidence and peace, knowing He is always with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'hemmed in' by God?
To be hemmed in by God, as described in Psalms 139:5, means that He surrounds us completely, guiding and protecting us from all sides, much like the way a shepherd watches over his flock, as seen in Psalms 23:4.
How can I feel God's presence and guidance in my life?
Feeling God's presence and guidance in our lives comes from developing a deep and personal relationship with Him through prayer, reading His word, and trusting in His sovereignty, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:13.
Is God's hand upon me a sign of blessing or correction?
God's hand upon us, as mentioned in Psalms 139:5, can be a sign of either blessing or correction, depending on our obedience and heart towards Him, as seen in Hebrews 12:5-11 where discipline is a sign of God's love.
How does knowing God's omnipresence affect my daily life?
Understanding that God is always with us, as stated in Psalms 139:7-10, should bring comfort, peace, and a sense of accountability, motivating us to live a life that honors Him, as taught in Colossians 3:17 and 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I feel 'hemmed in' by God's presence and guidance in my life, and how can I be more aware of it?
- How does the knowledge that God knows my every thought and action before I even speak or act affect my decisions and behaviors?
- What are some areas in my life where I feel God's hand guiding or correcting me, and how can I respond in obedience?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of awareness and gratitude for God's constant presence in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:5
Thou hast beset me behind and before,.... Art on every side of me, all around me, like one besieged in a strait place; so that there is nothing I can think, say, or do, but what is known unto thee.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 139:5
Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me - Thou art omnipresent as well as omniscient.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:5
Thou hast beset me behind and before, with thine all-seeing and all-disposing providence. And laid thine hand upon me; thou keepest me, as it were, with a strong hand, in thy sight and under thy power.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:5
Psalms 139:5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.Ver. 5. Thou hast beset me behind and before] As a beast that is pursued, as an enemy that is begirt and environed; and lest I should think by some means to make escape (as David did from Saul and his host, by a providence, 1 Samuel 23:27; as Hannibal did from the Romans, by a stratagem). Thou hast laid thine hand upon me] As by an arrest; so that I am thy prisoner, and cannot stir a foot from thee.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:5
(5) Beset—as a beleagured city from which there is no escape.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:5
Verse 5. Thou hast beset me behind and before] אחור וקדם צרתני achor vekodam tsartani, "The hereafter and the past, thou hast formed me." I think Bishop Horsley's emendation here is just, uniting the two verses together. "Behold thou, O Jehovah, knowest the whole, the hereafter and the past. Thou hast formed me, and laid thy hand upon me."
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:5
5. beset me] The word is used of besieging a town. God hems him in on all sides so that he cannot escape. The P.B.V. thou hast fashioned me follows the LXX and other Ancient Versions in a less probable rendering. laid thine hand upon me] God holds him fast in His grasp, exercises His authority over him. Cp. Job 9:33.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:5
Thou hast beset me behind and before - The word rendered “beset” - צור tsûr - means properly to press; to press upon; to compress.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 139:5
5. Beset—Surrounded, like a besieging army, for my protection if good, to render my escape impossible if wicked. Laid thine hand upon me—I am already in thy grasp, wholly in thy power.
Sermons on Psalms 139:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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So Panteth My Soul by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Psalm 42 and the longing of the soul for God. The speaker emphasizes the deep thirst and desire for God that the psalmist expresses in the t |
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(Through the Bible) Acts 17 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the preaching of Jonah to the Ninevites, where there was no message of repentance, hope, grace, or salvation. Jonah preached a message of doo |
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Rest in the Lord by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of resting in the Lord and allowing Him to work through us. He uses the analogy of a cluttered workspace to illustrate how rus |
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Your Architect by Basilea Schlink | In this video sermon by Basilia Schlink, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life by reconnecting with God. She suggests that when we lose conta |
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Protected on All Sides by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, Basilia Shlink encourages those who are feeling unsettled, unhappy, anxious, and lonely to withdraw to a quiet and secluded place to connect with God. She emphasize |
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The People of God 05 a Happy People by James K. Boswell | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of being steeled by the law of the Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of faith and being in a position of favor with God. The pre |
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Lady Robertland by Alexander Whyte | Alexander Whyte preaches about the remarkable life of Lady Robertland, a saint known for her deep piety, patriotism, and remarkable powers of mind. Lady Robertland experienced extr |